Homecoming

In News by Kim Eiffert

September 11-25

Sometimes the most important journey we ever make is the journey home to our true selves.  This journey is necessary because we have become lost or harmed in our efforts to live an authentic existence. This is especially true in this trouble-filled age. When injured physically, emotionally, or spiritually, we often turn to pretense, distraction and self-loathing.  We cover up or attempt to dull the pain.  We long for a Homecoming that is more than a fabricated party.

The Bible tells many stories of people coming home.  Most of these stories include the honest struggles, conflict and trauma faced by the characters.  In this way, the Bible is never trauma adverse.  Instead, the Bible is “trauma informed”.  

This is one of the callings of the Church.  We, as followers of Jesus, serve a savior who walked through the trauma of crucifixion to the homecoming of new life.  We do not deny or overlook those who are broken and hurting.  We do not avoid their pain or ours.  Instead, we believe in the redemptive power of God to bring us to the experience of wholeness
and belonging.  


September 11

“Homework” 
Genesis 50: 15-21 


September 18

“Homesick” 
Judges 11: 4-11, 29-36 


September 25

“Homebound” 
Luke 15: 11-32 

RESOURCES 

Homecoming; Overcome Fear & Trauma to Reclaim Your Whole Authentic Self 
by: Thelma Bryant, PhD 

Cloud Cuckoo Land 
by: Anthony Doerr (A novel about several characters whose lives intersect across many centuries in a classic tale about a homecoming) 

Devotionals: Good Enough 
by: Dave Ferguson 

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma 
by: Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. 

The Big Picture 
by: Jevon & Nicole Caldwell-Gross 

Finding Nemo 
Disney Movie